Take a Look at Ashley Graham’s New Jersey Backyard (It’s Ready for Summer!)
Ashley Graham is ready to soak up the sun this summer at her New Jersey pad.
The supermodel and podcast host, who has three young sons with husband Justin Ervin, recently relocated from New York City to New Jersey. Now, she’s created the perfect backyard setup for her first summer in the ‘burbs. Architectural Digest got a look at the sun-drenched backyard, which Graham created with designer Mikel Welch.
Set on two-and-a-half acres, Graham wanted the home’s outdoor space to have a “modern and neutral aesthetic vibe” that still managed to work for a busy family.
“Everything had to be durable, washable, and kid-proof!” Graham told AD. Emphasizing both texture and warm shades of beige, gray, and white, Welch said their goal was “to find outdoor fabrics that had the sophistication of indoor fabrics.” The duo hit Pottery Barn and West Elm to browse around for unique options.
“There really is something about going in the store and looking for yourself instead of just doing it online,” said Graham, who prefers to shop slowly rather than buying everything at once.
Making it clear that the family had frequent visitors from New York over to relax by the pool, Graham wanted plenty of places to sit, without feeling too detached.
“We needed lots of seating, but we also wanted something cozy where it doesn’t feel so spread out,” she explained. “When there are too many areas to hang out, everybody ends up gathering in the same place anyway.”
In the main covered seating area, they chose a comfortable wood and wicker sectional, a Pottery Barn console table and lush greenery in West Elm indoor/outdoor planters. With a kid-friendly outdoor rug in a flax color underneath and a TV on the wall, it’s the ultimate gathering space. A stylish bar cart is ideal for rolling food and drinks on the stone walkway out to guests. Of course, there’s also plenty of kid-friendly stuff, like little Adirondack chairs and plenty of games on the rolling lawn.
By the rectangular saltwater pool, a lineup of cushioned adjustable chaise lounge chairs with built-in side tables sit under umbrellas. Surrounded by manicured greenery, the pool has long been Graham’s dream.
“I can’t wait to get in the pool — it’s heated and saltwater, which I was very excited about when we looked at the house to purchase it,” she told AD.
While they’ve only been in the house for two months, Graham has plenty of plans for the outdoor space in the future. “I want to get a play set for the boys, and a jungle gym, and a sandbox. But right now we have this beautiful, gorgeous seating area and pool situation,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier.”
Of course, two-and-a-half acres of rolling land is still a bit of a transition from a 3-bedroom apartment in New York City.
“It’s still not done,” Graham explained. “There’s still so much yard.”
This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: Ashley Graham’s New Jersey Backyard Is Ready for Summer